ACTIVATION TOOLKIT: WRITE TO YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER

Here’s our super quick guide to writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper

A letter to the editor is a short opinion piece submitted to a newspaper. The opinion page is one of the most widely read pages in the newspaper. This means it’s a great way to get your message out to the public.

Tips for writing to your local newspaper

Use the ‘EPIC’ Format. Create your letter using the easy-to-remember "EPIC" format. "EPIC" is a handy mnemonic for remembering an order of statements to build your case for an action and engage your reader. Here it is:

• Engage: Grab the reader's attention with a question or a startling statement. You could use a surprising statistic or a question. 

• Problem: State the problem that you want the reader to address. What is it about the Gene Technology Bill that concerns you the most? Use our GE Deregulation: Key Talking Points document or the NZIER economic report that OANZ commissioned, outlining how exports could be reduced by up to $20billion annually if GMOs are released into the environment.

• Inform (or Illustrate): Inform the reader of the solution or illustrate how the solution can help. 

• Call to Action: CLEARLY state what you want the reader to do. It's best to do it as a question that should be answered with a "yes" or a "no.

Be Clear and Concise. Newspapers have clear limits on the length of letters they will accept. Most papers will only print letters 200 words at maximum, while others cut off at 150 words. The shorter the letter, the more likely it will be published. GE deregulation is complex; keep it short and simple and be solution-focused. Use our

Connect to Your Community. Once your article has been published in the paper or online, don’t let it stop there—share it widely to spark meaningful conversations. Post it in your local Facebook community groups, farming networks, and other social platforms where people are engaged in discussions about food, farming, and the environment. Encourage others to read, comment, and share your article to amplify its reach. By connecting with your community, you’re building awareness and creating a ripple effect that can inspire others to take action for a GE-free Aotearoa.

Letter to Editor Template

[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[CITY, POSTCODE]
[EMAIL ADDRESS]
[DATE]

Dear Editor (NAME),

I am writing to raise awareness about the potential impacts of the proposed Gene Technology Bill in New Zealand. The government’s hasty approach to this issue leaves many critical questions unanswered. This bill will affect our environment, consumer choice, and the right to farm and eat without fear of contamination.

Where is the economic analysis examining how this change might affect agricultural exports? As a country known for its clean, green reputation, losing our GE-free status could damage the demand for New Zealand products, impacting both our farmers and the economy.

What about the safe, evidence-based alternatives to GE that already exist? Organic and regenerative farming practices have been shown to combat climate change and support biodiversity without the risks of genetic engineering. Why aren’t these sustainable options prioritised over costly, unproven GE technologies?

Consumers also have a right to know and choose what is in their food. Removing transparency about the use of GE undermines this right and reduces the ability of farmers to make informed, independent choices about how they farm.

I urge our leaders to slow down and reconsider the potential ramifications of GE deregulation. New Zealanders deserve a thoughtful, well-researched approach considering the long-term effects on our food systems, economy, and global reputation.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Any other questions? ­­

If we haven’t answered your question about writing to your local paper, please email info@oanz.org, and we’ll do our best to help.

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